The marine fishing industry in Sabah has produced not only enough fish for self consumption but also has a surplus for export. The industry employs some 8,500 fishing boats and 20,000 fishermen.
To date, there are more than 600 species of edible marine fishes found in Sabah’s fish markets of which 376 species (excluding sharks and rays) are listed in this book. A total of 190 species are described in detail, in most cases with accompanying colour photographs. Methods of fishing, fishing grounds, fishing seasons and estimated annual catches are given. Common names for the fishes in Malay and other local dialects, Chinese (in Contonese dialects) and English are included. Information on local fishing gears, fishing boats and fish markets are also provided.